Ancelotti persuaded Zizou to stay

Carlo Ancelotti admits he advised Zinedine Zidane to remain at Real Madrid as he embarked on a managerial career, and hasn't been surprised by his success in Spain.

The highly-decorated Zidane cut his teeth in management after a period as a Real advisor and sporting director when he was appointed as Ancelotti's assistant at the end of the 2013-14 season.

He subsequently oversaw the club's reserve side, before taking over from Rafael Benitez as first-team coach in January 2016, and guided his team to victory in the Champions League final where they defeated city rivals Atletico.

But it may have been very different for Zidane had he accepted an offer to take over at former club Bordeaux.

Speaking to L'Equipe, Ancelotti explained: "[My advice to him was] to stay in Madrid with me [rather than go to Bordeaux]. At first, he chose to train Castilla and that was a good experience for him.

"I thought that around him, in Madrid, there was a good atmosphere [to develop]. The fact that he is now coaching Real Madrid is very good for him and for the club."

Ancelotti added that Zidane's achievements as a player helped him win over his players.

He said: "Zidane is very charismatic and he is respected by the players.

"I saw that when he was my assistant and I think that is the key to his success now. The players had problems with Rafa Benitez and when Zidane came in, everything changed. The players rallied behind him."

Interestingly, Zidane's Real Madrid missed the chance to set a new La Liga record of 17 consecutive league wins after they drew with Villarreal on Wednesday.

Real are currently two points clear of Sevilla at the top of the standings following Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.